Box Score

EDINOBORO, Pa. – The University of Charleston women’s basketball team played hard but could not overcome 25 turnovers against a determined California (Pa.) team as the Golden Eagles fell 75-59 in the NCAA Tournament Atlantic Regional, Friday night in Edinboro, Pa.

The teams combined for 23 turnovers in the first half to hold the halftime score at 33-28, despite the Vulcans (23-7) shooting 41 percent and the Golden Eagles (24-8) netting 46 percent of their shots. California (Pa.) was successful in converting UC misques into points as they put 15 points on the board of turnovers in the opening half, while hitting 4-of-4 shots from the foul line to secure the early advantage.

The second half saw Charleston continue to have trouble cutting into the halftime edge and securing the ball against a pesky CUP defense despite outshooting them from the field. The turnover battle doomed UC in the second half as it led to the Vulcans holding a 26-11 edge in points off turnovers for the game, which kept Charleston from making any serious comeback attempt down the stretch.

Cal (Pa.) distanced itself by keeping ball inside to PSAC West Player of the Year Kayla Smith who finished the night with 24 points and 12 rebounds, along with four steals. The Vulcans hit 15-of-20 free throw attempts in a lopsided effort from the charity stripe as Charleston managed 3-of-4 free throws for the contest.

Senior Ali Tobias (Painesville, Ohio/Riverside) led the University of Charleston with 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting that included going 3-for-6 from behind the arc. Classmate Tarena Dixon (Morgantown, W.Va./University) and sophomore Tiani Kelly (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington North) were the other double-digits scorers as each netted 10 points and five rebounds in the contest.

The loss concludes a great season for Charleston with a 24-8 overall record and the West Virginia Conference regular-season title.